The historic Mission Hills Mansion, now known as the Ralph L. Gray Alumni Center, will commemorate its 100th anniversary with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 14, 2026, marking the official kickoff of a series of events honoring the milestone.
The “100 Years of Mission Hills” ribbon cutting and celebration will begin at 8 a.m. at the Alumni Center on the campus of Missouri Southern State University. Originally constructed in 1926 by mining entrepreneur Lucius Buchanan and his wife, Ethel Buchanan, the Spanish Revival-style home has remained a prominent landmark in the region for a century.
Over the decades, the property has played an important role in the area’s development. It later operated as part of a dairy farm before being acquired by Joplin Junior College in 1964. When the college relocated in 1967, the mansion became part of the university’s campus.
The building has since served a variety of purposes, including classrooms, student services and administrative offices. Following a major restoration, it was rededicated in 2010 as the Ralph L. Gray Alumni Center, where it now serves as a hub for alumni engagement and university events.
The May 14 ceremony will bring together community members, university leadership and invited guests to celebrate a century of history, preservation and impact. The event also marks the beginning of a broader anniversary celebration planned throughout the year.
Media are invited to attend, tour the mansion, and speak with event organizers.
